Disability Dimensions: Course, Risk and Mortality Salience Predict Workplace Bias

Abstract

The current study explored the course, risk and mortality salience of a specific disability (N=242). Four job candidates were presented with varying forms of that disability; yet the results indicated ratings of work-related variables changed depending upon perceived dimensions (course and risk) of the candidates’ disability. Furthermore, findings demonstrated a difference in perceived trainability and absenteeism when mortality was made salient. Implications reveal the potential importance of using a dimensional approach to studying individuals with a disability and relevant consequences for organizations when the course, risk or mortality of the disability is made salient.